Block-based construction system

ABSTRACT

A set of building components is disclosed. The set includes a plurality of blocks and at least one connecting member for connecting and supporting a subset of the plurality of blocks in fixed relative position. Each of at least two of the blocks includes: a pair of parallel end faces, the end faces defining a block thickness therebetween, and a plurality of side faces extending between the end faces. Each of the at least two blocks defines three or more first holes extending between the end faces, wherein the first holes are arranged in orthogonal rows and columns and each pair of adjacent first holes extends in parallel spaced relation to each other. The at least one connecting member includes one or more rod portions that are sized to fit through the first holes of the blocks of the subset.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to construction systems and, in particular, to block-based construction sets for use in building toy and robot structures.

BACKGROUND

Various block-based toy building systems rely on snap-fitting mechanisms. In such systems, each building block may include studs that project from one face and recesses formed on an opposite face such that a pair of such blocks may be assembled by inserting the studs of one block into the recesses of an adjacent block. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,282 describes toy building blocks that are adapted to be connected by means of projections extending from the faces of the blocks that are so arranged as to form clamping engagement with protruding portions of adjacent blocks when pairs of the blocks are assembled. Structures built using a snap-fitting mechanism must generally be built vertically and can be easily pulled apart. Such building systems are comprised primarily of rigid or semi-rigid materials (e.g. hard plastic or wood) and, more generally, may not adequately simulate the flexibility and structural diversity of soft tissues, metals, ceramics, elastic structures, complex composite materials, and deformable components, which are desirable in robotic systems, such as biologically-inspired robots.

Traditional toy building systems typically have either “sparse” or “dense” architecture styles, but not both. A “dense” architecture can refer to an architectural style of a structure that is tightly packed, characterized by building elements (e.g. blocks) that are assembled in such a way as to leave little or no empty space between them. Examples of a dense architecture may be found in structures built using Lego′ blocks and masonry bricks, as well as most forms of sculpture. A “sparse” architecture, on the other hand, can refer to a style of a structure which comprises building elements that have substantial spacing between them, and are therefore often characterized by the use of beams, joints, and sheets that connect the building elements. Various construction systems, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,869 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,438, allow for primarily sparse constructions.

It would be desirable to provide a construction system that can facilitate building structures of both dense and sparse styles and employ an interlocking mechanism of construction, while representing a structural diversity that is appropriate for modern robotic systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of example blocks of an example set of building components in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of other example blocks of the example set of building components of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows front views of the end faces of example blocks in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3B and 3C show isometric views of further example blocks of an example set of building components.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of example connecting members of the example set of building components of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows front views of the end faces of the connecting members of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of further example blocks of the example set of building components of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example structure built using an example set of building components.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another example structure built using an example set of building components.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another example structure built using an example set of building components.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example structure built using an example set of building components.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another example structure built using an example set of building components.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show perspective views of further example structures built using an example set of building components.

Like reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote like elements and features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a set of building components. The set includes a plurality of blocks and at least one connecting member for connecting and supporting a subset of the plurality of blocks in fixed relative position. Each of at least two of the blocks includes: a pair of parallel end faces, the end faces defining a block thickness therebetween; and a plurality of side faces extending between the end faces. Each of the at least two blocks defines three or more first holes extending between the end faces, wherein the first holes are arranged in orthogonal rows and columns and each pair of adjacent first holes extends in parallel spaced relation to each other. The at least one connecting member includes one or more rod portions that are sized to fit through the first holes of the blocks of the subset.

In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a block-based structure. The structure includes a plurality of blocks, at least two of the blocks including: a pair of parallel end faces, the end faces defining a block thickness therebetween; and a plurality of side faces extending between the end faces. Each of the at least two blocks defines three or more first holes extending between the end faces, wherein the first holes are arranged in orthogonal rows and columns and each pair of adjacent first holes extends in parallel spaced relation to each other. The structure also includes at least one connecting member having one or more rod portions that are sized to fit through the first holes of the blocks, wherein the at least one connecting member is configured to connect and support the plurality of blocks in fixed relative position.

Other example embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the following detailed descriptions in conjunction with the drawings.

The construction system, or construction set, described in the present disclosure includes a plurality of blocks and connecting members for assembling the blocks into rigid or flexible structures. The construction set may also include strings and tapes for use in fixedly securing the blocks together. The blocks comprise solid geometric forms which can interlock to form three-dimensional mechanical structures. The blocks can be interlocked/connected to each other using one or more connecting members that comprise rod portions, or by using strings or tape to fasten the blocks together. For example, strings may be tied to, wrapped around, or threaded through holes defined in one or more blocks, and tape may be threaded in between adjacent blocks, wrapped around blocks, or be adhered to blocks. Blocks can be adhered to the same piece of tape to create hinge structures. The present construction system may be used to represent a variety of biological and mechanical structures and, in particular, may represent structures that incorporate soft or elastic materials, material deformation, composite materials, and pre-stressing.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which shows a plurality of blocks 100 of an example set 1000 of building components in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The blocks 100 can serve as basic building units that can be joined together to construct various different types of structures such as, for example, toy and robot structures. While the blocks 100 of FIG. 1 all have different shapes and sizes, it will be understood that sets of building components that are contemplated by the present disclosure may include two or more blocks of the same shape and size. Example sets may also include additional blocks that are not described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

Each block 100 of FIG. 1 is generally planar and is in the form of a rectangular plate or strip. More specifically, a block 100 includes a pair of parallel end faces 102 and a plurality of side faces 108 extending between the end faces. The end faces 102 include a first end face 104 and a second end face 105 (not shown in FIG. 1) that is opposite to the first end face 104. The end faces 102 form parallel surfaces of the block 100. Accordingly, the end faces 102 define a perpendicular distance, or block thickness, therebetween. In at least some embodiments, the block thickness may range between 1/16 and 5/32 inch. For example, the block 100 may have a thickness of 3/32 inch. As another example, the block 100 may have a thickness of 2.0 millimeters.

The end faces 102 may each have a different shape or both end faces 102 may have a generally identical shape. Each end face 102 has a plurality of side edges 106 which form the periphery of the end face 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the side faces 108 may be disposed normal to the end faces 102 and extend from one of the end faces 102 to the other of the end faces 102. For example, the side faces 108 may extend between the end faces 102 at corresponding side edges 106. That is, the side faces 108 may connect the side edges 106 of the first end face 104 with corresponding side edges 106 of the second end face 105. In at least some embodiments, some of the blocks 100 may have corresponding side profiles such that adjoining blocks can fit with each other. For example, a pair of blocks 100 may respectively have end face shapes which define side edges 106 that correspond (i.e. match) with the side edges 106 of the other block, allowing the blocks to fit side-by-side, for example, when being assembled.

Each block 100 includes one or more holes 110 that extend between the end faces 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the block 100 may be perforated, defining holes 110 that extend fully through the block 100 from the first end face 104 to the second end face 105. Each hole 110 comprises a first opening defined on the first end face 104, a second opening defined on the second end face 105, and a bore which is orthogonal to the end faces 102 and which extends axially between the first opening and the second opening. The holes 110 may have various shapes. For example, in at least some embodiments, the holes 110 all have an identical cross-sectional shape, which may be a circle, a square, or another regular polygon. In the example of FIG. 1, each hole 110 has a square cross-section (i.e. the openings have a square shape). The width of the cross-section of hole 110 may range between 1/16 and 5/32 inch. For example, each hole 110 may have a width of 3/32 inch. In some embodiments, the width of the holes 110 may be equal to the thickness of the block 100, i.e. perpendicular distance between the end faces 102.

The holes 110 are arranged in the block 100 in orthogonal rows and columns. The openings to the holes 110 are positioned on the end faces such that the holes 110 are arranged in one or more parallel rows and/or one or more parallel columns. That is, a hole 110 belongs to at least one row of holes and/or at least one column of holes. For example, block 100 a contains holes 110 that are arranged in a single row (of six holes), whereas block 100 b contains holes 110 that are arranged in three rows and eight columns. It will be understood that the terms “row” and “column” may be used interchangeably to refer to a group of holes 110 that are arranged along a straight line. The rows and columns run parallel to the side edges 106. More specifically, the side edges 106 of an end face 102 define two orthogonal axes on the plane of the end face 102 such that each side edge 106 extends parallel to one or the other of the axes, and the rows and columns of holes 110 are respectively parallel to one of the axes.

The relative positioning of the holes 110 can be alternatively specified. In at least some embodiments, the holes 110 may be arranged in the block 100 according to a grid pattern. A regular grid, such as a Cartesian grid or rectilinear grid, may be used to specify the placement of the holes 110. For example, the holes 110 may be distributed in the block 100 such that each hole 110 is centered at a vertex point (i.e. the point of intersection of two perpendicular grid lines) of a grid that is imposed (e.g. overlaid) on the end faces 102. That is, the lines connecting pairs of adjacent holes 110 may form a grid. As a result, the holes 110 may themselves be arranged in a regular grid of spaced rows and columns. For example, FIG. 3C shows example blocks 230 having holes whose relative positioning can be specified using this “grid” formulation. Even for the blocks 230, the holes can be described as belonging to at least one row and/or column of holes or, alternatively, as being positioned at points of a grid imposed on the blocks.

The holes 110 of FIG. 1 are positioned in spaced relation to each other. In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent holes (i.e. holes that are immediately adjacent to each other along a row or a column) may be uniform. That is, each pair of adjacent holes 110 may be separated by the same predetermined distance. For example, a hole 110 may be separated from its adjacent holes—along a row, a column, or both—by a distance that is equal to a multiple of the width of the hole 110. In particular, each of the holes 110 of the block 100 may have the same width and the distance between adjacent holes 110 of the block 100 may be equal to the width of the holes 110. As another example, the distance between adjacent holes 110, measured as inter-hole (i.e. edge-to-edge) distance or center-to-center distance, may be equal to the thickness of the block 100. To maintain uniform hole-to-hole spacing, the distance between adjacent holes may depend on the dimensions of a block 100. For example, the spacing may be determined based on the number of rows and columns of holes 110 in a block 100 and the lengths of the side edges 106.

In at least some embodiments, the holes 110 may be positioned in the block 100 such that all of the holes which are adjacent to a side edge 106 are separated from the side edge 106 by a predefined, fixed distance. For example, for each side edge 106, the distance between the side edge 106 and the holes that are immediately adjacent to that side edge 106 may be equal to half of the width of the holes 110. In particular, the row/column of holes 110 which are nearest to a side edge 106 may be spaced from the side edge 106 by a distance equal to half of the width of the holes 110.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which shows additional example blocks 200 of the example set 1000, and FIG. 3A, which shows front views of end faces of at least the blocks 200 of FIG. 2. Similar to the blocks 100 of FIG. 1, each of the blocks 200 has a pair of parallel end faces 212, a plurality of side faces which are disposed normal to the end faces 212 and which extend between the end faces 212 at their corresponding side edges 206, and one or more holes 210 extending through the block 200 from one of the end faces 212 to the other of the end faces 212. Each end face 212 has the shape of a rectilinear polygon, a polygon whose side edge intersections are at right angles. That is, adjacent side edges 206 of an end face 212 are mutually perpendicular to each other. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the side edges 206 of an end face 212 are parallel to the axes of Cartesian coordinates, such as orthogonal axes 330 and 340. The blocks 200 are formed into various different rectilinear shapes: the blocks that are illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 include those having end faces in the form of ‘T’-shape (200 a), ‘C’-shape (200 b), l′-shape (200 c), and ‘X’-shape (200 d). Other polygonal shapes may be possible for the end faces 212. For example, block 220 of FIG. 3B includes end faces 212 that are adapted to a composite shape (in this case, a three-armed asterisk shape, or three rectangles joined to a central triangular hub). In particular, some blocks 220 may have end face shapes that are not rectilinear polygons. Even for such blocks 220, the structural arrangement of one or more groups of holes into rows and columns, and more generally, the linear arrangement of groups of holes, can be retained, as shown in FIG. 3B.

The holes 210 defined in the blocks 200 are arranged in one or more rows and/or one or more columns which are orthogonal to the rows. That is, each hole belongs to a row of holes 210 and/or a column of holes 210. For example, referring to block 200 b, each hole 210 of the block is positioned in a row (r1 or r2) and/or a column (c1) which is perpendicular to both of the rows. In FIG. 3A, the rows are parallel to the axis 340 and the columns are parallel to the axis 330. More generally, the rows and columns of holes 210 of a block 200 are respectively parallel to the axes defined by the direction of extension of the side edges 206 of the block 200.

Reference is made to FIGS. 4 and 5, which show a plurality of connecting members 400 of the example set 1000. The embodiments of the present disclosure provide sets of building components, such as set 1000, each of which includes a plurality of blocks, such as one or more of blocks 100 of FIG. 1 and blocks 200 of FIG. 2, and at least one connecting member 400. The connecting members 400 are used to connect two or more of the blocks together and support the connected blocks in fixed relative position to each other. For example, a connecting member 400 may connect a subset of the blocks together such that the blocks are assembled into a static structure, e.g. a modular building unit, a rigid construction, etc., that exhibits structural integrity. As another example, a connecting member 400 may connect two or more blocks together to couple the blocks in movable relation to each other (e.g. simulating robot links and joints). The connected blocks may be capable of undergoing rotational motion, translational motion, etc. relative to each other while being held together (or maintained in movable connection) by the connecting member 400.

A connecting member 400 includes one or more rod portions 410. A rod portion 410 is generally elongate and has a uniform cross-section along its length. Each rod portion 410 is sized to fit through at least some of the holes in the blocks of set 1000. More specifically, a rod portion 410 of a connecting member 400 has a cross-section profile which allows the rod portion 410 to fit through one or more holes in blocks of set 1000. For the blocks 100 of FIG. 1 or block 200 of FIG. 2, connecting members 400 may include one or more rod portions 410 having square cross-sections, where the width of the rod cross-section is equal to or less than the width of the holes 110 and 210, respectively, in the blocks. For example, a rod portion 410 may have a square cross-section with a width ranging between 1/16 and 5/32 inch (e.g. a width of 3/32 inch). In some cases, the cross-section profile of a rod portion 410 may be different from the profile of the hole through which the rod portion 410 fits. For the set 1000, the cross-section of a rod portion 410 of a connecting member 400 may be any suitable shape (e.g. circle, polygons, ‘X’-shape, etc.) which can fit inside a square of predefined width (of the holes of blocks 100 or 200, respectively).

The connecting member 400 includes a stem. The stem may be a straight and elongate bar or tube. In at least some embodiments, the connecting member 400 also includes one or more arms which are connected to and coplanar with the stem. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the connecting members 400 a, 400 b and 400 c each have defined stems 402 a, 402 b and 402 c, respectively. For connecting member 400 a, the stem 402 a comprises a single square bar which forms the rod portion 410. In connecting member 400 b, two arms 404 b, which have identical shape, extend from the stem 402 b. The stem 402 b and the arms 404 b are coplanar, and the arms 404 b extend generally perpendicularly away from the stem 402 b. In connecting member 400 c, the arms 404 c are connected to respective ends of stem 402 c, and each arm 404 c is oriented perpendicular to the stem 402 c. In at least some embodiments, the stem and/or the arms may respectively form a rod portion 410 of a connecting member 400. For example, the connecting member 400 b has three rod portions 410, one of which is part of the stem 402 b and two of which are part of the arms 404 b. The rod portion 410 defined by the stem 402 b is oriented generally perpendicular to each of the rod portions 410 defined by the arms 404 b. The connecting member 400 c includes four rod portions 410, the arms 404 c each defining two rod portions 410 that extend in opposite directions. More generally, an arm of the connecting member 400 may comprise a first arm portion that extends orthogonal to the stem and a second arm portion that is orthogonally connected to the first portion. In particular, the first arm portion has a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being connected to the stem and the second end being connected to the second arm portion.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, the connecting members 400 are shown to each have a unitary body comprising a pair of parallel end faces, shaped as rectilinear polygons, and rectangular side faces that extend orthogonally between the end faces. In some embodiments, the connecting members 400 may have shapes that are different from those illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. For example, a connecting member 400 may include a stem and/or arms that are generally cylindrical. More generally, the stem and arms of a connecting member 400 may each have their own cross-section profiles, with the rod portions 410 defined by the stem and/or arms each being sized to fit through the holes in the blocks of set 1000.

A connecting member 400 can be used to connect two or more blocks of set 1000. In particular, the rod portions 410 of a connecting member 400 are configured to engage the holes defined in the blocks of set 1000. A rod portion 410 can be threaded through holes on two or more different blocks that are axially aligned. Accordingly, in some embodiments, at least one rod portion 410 of a connecting member 400 may have a length which is greater than or equal to the thickness of one of the blocks that are being connected by the connecting member 400. For example, for a subset of blocks, each of which has the same thickness, the rod portion 410 of a connecting member 400 for the subset may have a length that is an integer multiple of the thickness of a block of the subset.

In at least some embodiments, a rod portion 410 of a connecting member 400 may fit through holes on one or more blocks such that it frictionally engages the holes. For example, a plurality of blocks may be positioned relative to each other such that at least one hole from each of the blocks is axially aligned with corresponding holes from the other blocks, and a rod portion 410 of a connecting member may be threaded through the aligned holes, forming a friction fit with one or more of the aligned holes. Each of the blocks that is frictionally engaged may then be secured to the rod portion 410, and the blocks may be held in fixed relative position to each other by the rod portion 410. In some embodiments, a rod portion 410 may fit rotatably in one or more holes on blocks. That is, the rod portion 410, once threaded into a hole of a single block or into axially aligned holes of multiple blocks, may be freely rotatable inside the hole(s). This type of connection may allow a block that is engaged by the connecting member to move (e.g. rotational motion) relative to the rod portion 410 as well as other block(s) that are also engaged by the connecting member 400. In some embodiments, the size of a hole may be greater than the cross-section of the rod portion. For example, a rod portion (e.g. an elongate rod having a length greater than the thickness of a block) may be threaded through a hole defined on the block such that the block is freely slidable (as a result of the hole being larger in size than the rod cross-section) with respect to the rod portion.

In at least some embodiments, a connecting member 400 may include two or more rod portions 410. For example, the connecting member 400 d includes a pair of mutually perpendicular rod portions 410 which form an ‘L’-shape. As another example, the connecting member 400 e has four rod portions 410, with each adjacent pair of the rod portions being perpendicular to each other, thereby forming an ‘X’-shape. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a connecting member 400 may include at least one pair of rod portions 410 that are oriented perpendicular to each other, and/or at least one pair of rod portions 410 that are oriented parallel (e.g. collinear) to each other. Two or more blocks can be held in parallel spaced relation to each other by rod portions 410 that are parallel/collinear. Blocks that are connected by a pair of mutually perpendicular rod portions 410 may be held in orthogonal relation to each other.

When building a structure using the set 1000, two or more connecting members 400 may themselves be coupled to each other, allowing for complex combinations of blocks and connecting members 400. In some embodiments, at least one connecting member 400 of the set 1000 may be perforated, having one or more holes defined on either the stem and/or arms of the connecting member 400. These holes may accommodate insertion of a rod portion 410 of a connecting member 400 through the body of another connecting member 400. For example, a rod portion 410 of a first connecting member may be frictionally fit through a hole on a second connecting member such that the rod portion 410 of the first connecting member is rigidly secured to and oriented perpendicular to the portion (i.e. stem or arms) of the second connecting member containing the hole. The holes/bores in a connecting member 400 need not extend perpendicular to the surface of the connecting member 400. For example, a hole in a connecting member 400 may be oriented at a slant (i.e. non-orthogonal) angle relative to the surface of the connecting member 400. In this way, a rod portion 410 of a first connecting member that is inserted through the hole of a second connecting member may be held at a desired, non-orthogonal angle with respect to second connecting member.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which shows additional example blocks 600 of example set 1000. The blocks 600 are similar to the blocks 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 insofar as they each include a pair of parallel end faces 602, side faces 608 extending orthogonally between the end faces 602, and a plurality of holes 610 that extend through the block 600 from one of the end faces 602 to the other of the end faces 602, the holes 610 being arranged in rows and columns. In addition to these features, block 600 also includes one or more holes 620 which extend through the block between a respective pair of opposite side faces 608. In particular, the holes 620 extend parallel to the end faces 602 and are, accordingly, oriented perpendicular to the holes 610. The holes 620 in FIG. 6 have square cross-sections, as do the holes 610. The holes 610 and 620 may, in some cases, have the same dimensions. For example, each of the holes 610 and 620 may have a square profile with a width between 1/16 and 5/32 inch (e.g. a width of 3/32 inch). This configuration of the block 600 allows connecting members to be threaded through the block 600 between all pairs of opposite faces, i.e. between the end faces 602 or between a pair of opposed side faces 608. For example, a pair of connecting members may both be threaded through the block 600 such that one of the connecting members, passed through the end faces 602, is oriented perpendicular to the other connecting member, passed through a pair of opposite side faces 608.

In at least some embodiments, the one or more holes 620 extend along a respective one of the rows and columns in which the holes 610 are arranged. That is, a hole 620 may extend parallel to and in alignment with either a row or a column. As a result, a hole 620 a extending between a first pair of opposite side faces may be orthogonal to another hole 620 b extending between a different pair of opposite side faces. The additional holes 620 may increase the minimum thickness, or the perpendicular distance between the end faces 602, of the block 600. In particular, in some embodiments, the block 600 may have a thickness equal to or greater than two times the width of the hole 620. For example, the thickness of the block 600 may be between ⅛ and 5/16 inch.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7 and 8, showing example structures 700 and 800, respectively, which may be built using the set 1000 of FIGS. 1 to 6. Structure 700 includes four layers 702 a-d of blocks which are connected and supported by a plurality of beams and connecting members. Each layer of blocks may include multiple blocks, such as blocks 100, 200 or 600 described above. A single layer 702 a of blocks forms a base of the structure 700, and three layers (702 b, 702 c and 702 d) of blocks, each of which is supported by vertically oriented connecting members and/or beams, are mounted one on top of another. The block layers 702 a-d and the beams/connecting members are alternatingly joined to form the structure 700. One or more beams, such as beam 704, may be used in the structure 700 to vertically support a layer of blocks. In particular, a beam 704 may support a block without being threaded in a hole defined on the block. That is, one or more beams 704 may support a block (or layer of blocks) mounted on top of the beam(s) at portions on the block that are not perforated. The connecting members of the structure 700 connect two or more adjacent layers of blocks by being inserted through holes defined on the blocks. More generally, a plurality of connecting members may support two blocks (or layers of blocks) in fixed parallel relation to one another by being threaded through axially aligned holes of the blocks (or the blocks of the layers). For example, in FIG. 7, the connecting member 706 connects layers 702 d and 702 d, vertically supporting the layer 702 d over the layer 702 c. The connecting member 706 may extend through a hole defined on the layer 702 c and/or the layer 702 d. In some embodiments, a connecting member may serve as a beam for one or more layers of blocks. For example, a connecting member may be threaded through a hole on a first layer (e.g. 702 c) of blocks while vertically supporting an adjacent second layer (702 d) of blocks without being inserted through a hole on the second layer of blocks. As a further example, a connecting member may be supported (i.e. mounted) on a first layer of blocks, threaded through a hole on a second layer of blocks that is above the first layer, and support a third layer of blocks that is above the second layer at an unperforated portion of the third layer.

As in structure 700, a set of connecting members and/or beams can be used to maintain two blocks (or layers of blocks) in spaced relation to each other, and the connecting members themselves may be fixedly supported in spaced relation to each other. The structure 700 may, in some embodiments, be a modular building unit which can be assembled with other building units constructed using components of the set 1000. For example, one or more further connecting members/beams that are oriented perpendicular to the connecting members of the set can be received in the space between two adjacent and parallel blocks. Such further connecting members may then allow development of structures that is generally perpendicular to the original line of development (e.g. vertical development). Similarly, the space between adjacent pairs of connecting members can receive one or more blocks and/or connecting members of the set 1000 to form a complex, composite structure expanding beyond the modular unit.

In at least some embodiments, the blocks of layers 702 a-d may be made of a different material than the connecting members and/or beams. For example, the plurality of blocks of the layers may be constructed from a rigid material, such as metal, wood, hard or ABS plastic, cardboard, etc., while the connecting members may each be made of an elastic material (e.g. polyurethane rubber), and/or a deformable material (e.g. rubber-coated steel foil). In some cases, one or more of the blocks may themselves be made of a different material than the other of the blocks. For example, some of the blocks may be made of an elastomer, such as silicone rubber, whereas other blocks may be made of wood. More generally, the components of the example set 1000 may be made from different materials (e.g. rigid, elastic, or deformable) such that a composite structure built by assembling the components may comprise multiple parts with varying structural and chemical properties. In some embodiments, the blocks and the connecting members may be constructed from the same or similar materials.

Structure 800 includes blocks 802 which are mounted one on top of another and connecting members 804 that are threaded through holes in the blocks 802. The blocks 802 are formed into a “wall” that delimits the perimeter of an area (a square, in the case of structure 800). Specifically, the blocks 802 are arranged into a dense stack which structure is rigidly supported by the connecting members 804. The structure 800 may be a modular building unit which can carry a load and support one or more other building units in a compound structure.

In some embodiments, blocks and layers of blocks may be connected, at least in part, by threading fibers or yarns (strings) through the holes defined in the blocks. For example, high-strength fibers such as Dyneema™ and Spectra™ or elastic cords (e.g. Spandex) may be threaded through holes in the blocks and prestressed. Such fibers may be used in conjunction with the connecting members of set 1000 to flexibly connect and support a plurality of blocks in a structure.

In some embodiments, tapes (e.g. Tyvek tapes) may be used to join two or more blocks together. For example, if a tape (such as adhesive tape) is used to join two blocks, the tape may define holes that correspond in position, size, and spacing with the holes of the two blocks.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show further examples of structures which may be constructed using the building components described in the present disclosure. Structure 900 includes a plurality of blocks 902 and a pair of elastic connecting members 904 that can be threaded through holes defined on the blocks 902. By varying the materials used for the blocks 902 and connecting members 904, the structure 900 may be adapted to simulate, among others, a biologically-inspired “spine” for a toy or robotic structure. FIG. 10 shows a structure 1010 that includes two blocks 1002 and a pin 1004 that acts to fasten the blocks 1002 together. In particular, the pin 1004 includes two rod portions that are each threaded through corresponding holes on the blocks 1002.

FIG. 11 shows an example structure 1100 which may be built using an example set of building components as described in the present disclosure. The blocks 1102 may be in the form of a deformable and/or elastic membrane, and one or more connecting rods 1104 may be threaded through holes defined on the block 1102. For example, the block 1102 may be made of an elastically deformable foam. For structures which include deformable components, such as structure 1100, the connecting members may be threaded through holes that are defined on the same block or on two or more different blocks. For example, one or more flexible connecting members may be weaved through holes defined on the same deformable membrane (such as membrane 1102) by alternatingly entering the holes from a first side and a second side of the membrane.

FIG. 12 shows yet another example structure 1200 which may be built using an example set of building components of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, structure 1200 may be formed as a delta robot, or a type of parallel robot, having a plurality of arms 1201 which are each independently movable via actuators (e.g. rotational or linear actuators) and a platform 1202 coupled to and supported by the arms 1201. As shown in FIG. 12, a pair of end pieces 1205, each comprising one or more blocks, are connected via connecting members 1204. A rack 1206, comprising one or more connected blocks, is slidably coupled to the connecting members 1204. Specifically, the connecting members 1204 may serve as tracks and the rack 1206 may be configured to slide freely along the connecting members 1204 such that, as in FIG. 12, it may move vertically along the connecting members 1204 between the end pieces 1205. More generally, connecting members that connect two or more different blocks may be used as tracks for accommodating sliding movement (vertically, horizontally, etc.) of intermediate components (e.g. a modular unit comprising one or more blocks) between the connected blocks. Similar to structure 1200, FIG. 13 shows a CNC rack 1300 which includes at least a pair of corner pieces 1305 that are connected by a set of connecting members 1304 and a rack 1306 which may be slidably coupled to the connecting members 1304.

The various embodiments presented above are merely examples and are in no way meant to limit the scope of this application. Variations of the innovations described herein will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art, such variations being within the intended scope of the present application. In particular, features from one or more of the above-described example embodiments may be selected to create alternative example embodiments including a sub-combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. In addition, features from one or more of the above-described example embodiments may be selected and combined to create alternative example embodiments including a combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such combinations and sub-combinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art upon review of the present application as a whole. The subject matter described herein and in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology. 

1. A set of building components, comprising: a plurality of blocks, at least two of the blocks including: a pair of parallel end faces, the end faces defining a block thickness therebetween; and a plurality of side faces extending between the end faces, each of the at least two blocks defining three or more first holes extending between the end faces, wherein the first holes are arranged in orthogonal rows and columns and each pair of adjacent first holes extends in parallel spaced relation to each other, and at least one connecting member for connecting and supporting a subset of the plurality of blocks in fixed relative position, wherein the at least one connecting member comprises one or more rod portions that are sized to fit through the first holes of the blocks of the subset.
 2. The set of claim 1, wherein each of the first holes has a first width and wherein each pair of adjacent first holes is separated by a distance substantially equal to the first width.
 3. The set of claim 2, wherein the first width is between 1/16 and 5/32 inches.
 4. The set of claim 2, wherein the block thickness is substantially equal to the first width.
 5. The set of claim 1, wherein each end face is a rectilinear polygon having a plurality of side edges at a periphery thereof, each side edge extending parallel to either a first axis or a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.
 6. The set of claim 5, wherein the rows are parallel to one of the axes and the columns are parallel to the other of the axes.
 7. The set of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of blocks further includes: one or more second holes extending parallel to the end faces, each second hole extending between a respective pair of opposite side faces.
 8. The set of claim 7, wherein each second hole extends along a respective one of the rows and columns.
 9. The set of claim 7, wherein the block thickness is substantially equal to two times the first width.
 10. The set of claim 7, wherein the first holes and the second holes have identical square cross-sections.
 11. The set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of blocks is constructed from a rigid material and the at least one connecting member is constructed from a deformable material.
 12. The set of claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting member includes two or more rod portions that are connected and coplanar.
 13. The set of claim 12, wherein at least one pair of the rod portions is oriented perpendicular to each other.
 14. The set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the rod portions frictionally fits into one or more holes of the blocks of the subset.
 15. The set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the rod portions rotatably fits into one or more holes of the blocks of the subset.
 16. The set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the rod portions comprises a rod having a square cross-section, the cross-section having a width that is substantially equal to the block thickness.
 17. The set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the rod portions has a length greater than or equal to the block thickness.
 18. The set of claim 1, further comprising one or more strings configured to be threaded through a first hole on each of two or more of the blocks.
 19. The set of claim 1, further comprising perforated tape for joining two of the blocks together, the tape defining holes corresponding in position and size with the first holes of the two blocks.
 20. A block-based structure, comprising: a plurality of blocks, at least two of the blocks including: a pair of parallel end faces, the end faces defining a block thickness therebetween; and a plurality of side faces extending between the end faces, each of the at least two blocks defining three or more first holes extending between the end faces, wherein the first holes are arranged in orthogonal rows and columns and each pair of adjacent first holes extends in parallel spaced relation to each other, and at least one connecting member having one or more rod portions that are sized to fit through the first holes of the blocks, wherein the at least one connecting member is configured to connect and support the plurality of blocks in fixed relative position. 